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ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani said on Wednesday that the Swiss ambassador should be asked to leave because the latter’s country was allowing its soil to be used for terrorism in Pakistan.

The remarks came after Law Minister Zahid Hamid, on behalf of the foreign minister, made a statement in the house about a ‘Free Balochistan’ poster campaign being run by a designated terrorist organisation — the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) — in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mr Rabbani said the Foreign Office should take some serious steps and convey its reservations to the Swiss government in the strongest possible terms because “terrorism was being exported to Pakistan from Swiss soil”.

Law minister says India behind ‘Free Balochistan’ campaign in Geneva

He asked the Foreign Office to expel the Swiss envoy from Pakistan, amidst thumping of desks by members from both sides of the aisle. What was happening in Geneva was a clear violation of the international law and the UN charter, he observed.

Zahid Hamid informed the Senate that Pakistan’s mission in Geneva had observed last week that posters titled “Free Baluchistan” had been displayed in well-frequented areas of Geneva, sponsored by “Baluchistan House”. These incl­u­ded paper and digital posters as well as banners posted on public transport vehicles. The Baluchistan House is said to be an affiliate of the BLA.

“The display of such publicity material is a serious violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and of international law and the UN charter. In view of the connections which India maintains with Baloch separatist leaders, and the fact that a large amount of money has been spent, it is obvious that India is behind this campaign,” he said, adding that use of Swiss soil by terrorists and foreign-sponsored secessionists for nefarious designs against Pakistan was totally unacceptable.

The law minister said the Swiss government had been asked to be alert about the presence of BLA terrorists or elements linked with such terrorists in Geneva. He said that in his second communication with the Swiss authorities he had asked them to immediately remove the posters and banners from public places and transport vehicles and prevent such recurrence in future.

“This year’s poster campaign by the Baloch dissident elements is being conducted by the affiliates of a declared terrorist organisation. According to the UN Security Council’s resolutions, states are obligated to not support terrorists or their affiliates, associates or abettors. Allowing this campaign and use of Swiss land is not only an attack on Pakistan’s territorial integrity, but also a violation of the international law, UN charter and Security Council resolutions. As a country that hosts the UN headquarters it is Switzerland’s duty to ensure that nothing against the international law and UN charter is conducted on its territory,” he remarked.

He pointed out that this was not the first time that such a thing had happened in Geneva. In March, a Pakistani Christian Association had placed banners in Geneva against the “violation of Christians’ rights in Pakistan”. An ordinary NGO could not have the means to do this, he said, adding that the matter had been raised with the Swiss authorities who said there was freedom of expression in the country and this was not in violation of the Swiss law.

Mr Hamid said this time as well the Swiss authorities were taking no steps to get the posters removed.

At this, Mr Rabbani said: “They are doing nothing. What are you doing? How can they allow use of their soil for exporting terrorism to Pakistan?”

Malpractices in CAA department

Setting a precedent in the country’s parliamentary history, the Senate chairman decided that the entire house would take up the issue of breach of privilege arising out of an apparently misleading reply to the question about implementation of the recommendations of a board of inquiry into malpractices in the Aero Medical Department of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) last year.

Speaking on his motion, Senator Farhatullah Babar waved a copy of the CAA’s letter on the subject conveying approval of its director general to certain actions to be taken in the light of recommendations of the board of inquiry.

He said that instead of taking action, incomplete replies were furnished to the house. It appeared to be a case of cover-up, protecting some individuals and misleading the house, he said and demanded that the matter be referred to the privileges committee.

Mr Rabbani placed the matter before the house and sought opinion of the members on whether it should be sent to the committee or dealt with by the house itself. After ascertaining the sense of the house, he referred the matter to the privileges committee and said the house would take a decision on it after the committee examined the witnesses and the record in two weeks. “I find that prima facie there is a breach of privilege,” he said and ordered that notices be issued to the Aviation Division secretary and the CAA director general.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad informed the house that according to the reply received, an officer found guilty of approving forged bills had been issued a show-cause notice, but the punishment awarded to him was merely a censure. Mr Rabbani and some members noted that this was not mere negligence, but a clear criminal act.

On DawnNews

Comments (85) Closed

Imtiaz Ali Khan

Sep 21, 2017 08:23am

Thank you please leave we don't want anyone who hurts or play proxy of hurting our beloved nation Pakistan. I love you Swiss family but no love to proxy game play mindset. Indian extremist can never win in hurting Pakistan as hurting Pakistan will hurt them after all we are the same people.

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Athar

Sep 21, 2017 08:23am

Good. We need to set example.

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Prad

Sep 21, 2017 08:47am

Reality bites?!

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rahil

Sep 21, 2017 08:51am

I do not think Pakistan should take this kind of step so soon.Its good to show our concern but these kind of steps further give a bad message to our people living in Switzerland and elsewhere.
we have lots of terrorisum issues in our own country and we take them very lightly.
We have shown the Swiss authorities our concern and taking these extreme steps shall not take us anywhere but create more problems to the local community.

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Insaafian

Sep 21, 2017 08:51am

all pakistanis should email swiss authorities to mark their protest - i did by emailing culture minister

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Sha b

Sep 21, 2017 08:56am

Very brilliant idea.next ask the American ambassador to leave the country.

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MA

Sep 21, 2017 08:58am

Time to get your act together all politicians to defend the motherland internationally. Enough just filling your pockets from this land of pure.

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Riaz Khan

Sep 21, 2017 09:18am

Bravo Raza Rabbani, only one sincere person in the whole parliament

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FA

Sep 21, 2017 09:22am

Instead of just thumping desks, this should be conveyed to international community as strongly as possible making sure everyone heard it and condemn it and a strong protest should be launched with swiss authorities, but I doubt that will happen as our international diplomatic channels are very weak.

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Jalbani Baloch

Sep 21, 2017 09:27am

Without delay or compromises, the Swiss Ambassador should be ordered to leave the country within 24 hours for allowing Swiss Land to Baloch rebels to campaign against the State of Pakistan, which is highly objectionable and unacceptable by every common citizen of Pakistan.

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Sud20

Sep 21, 2017 09:31am

Why not boycott UNGA which happens in Geneva every year, why not forget the requests made to Swiss governments on black money stashed in Swiss banks, why not stop production of Super Mushak trainers which are built and exported after license from Switzerland. Yes expulsion of the Swiss ambassador is possible after all the above steps.

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Khwarizmi

Sep 21, 2017 09:33am

Switzerland must make a stand: is it against the sovereign state of Pakistan, meaning against the the UN charter, and against a memeber state of UN? Pakistan should send the ambassador back as fast as possible.

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Alfa ZULU

Sep 21, 2017 09:36am

Yes, take a tough stance and send the message across to Switzerland. This nonsense in a foreign country is not acceptable.

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KR

Sep 21, 2017 09:38am

Not only supporting terrorism, Switzerland is the number one supporter of the corrupt and dictatorial regimes in the world through their totally unethical banking system.

Only kicking the ambassador out is not sufficient, boycotting Swiss products is the way.

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Ahsan

Sep 21, 2017 09:44am

Yes it will be the right step to stop anti Pakistan movements

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Jalaluddin S. Hussain

Sep 21, 2017 09:45am

Since Baluchistan has the potential of becoming one of the riches provinces of Pakistan, it should be on the development priority list, which it is not presently.

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Bawa

Sep 21, 2017 09:48am

Thumbs Up. Well done.

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MUHAMMAD FAHEEM KHAN

Sep 21, 2017 09:58am

Pak should expel swiss ambassador and warn NATO it will no longer help in Afg if its territorial integrity

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Abid

Sep 21, 2017 10:00am

That can never happen because of all of our leaders have a huge sum of money in that country .................

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Champ

Sep 21, 2017 10:01am

Our civilian leadership seems to be maturing.
Well said Mr Chairman Senate!

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Sonya Taimoor

Sep 21, 2017 10:05am

Why these politicians just ''talk'' good and not ''act'' good.

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Natey

Sep 21, 2017 10:11am

Give them 1 week time to act.. If nothing done expel the ambassador... N bring pak ambassador bk.. Have some stand.. Otherwise India will sponsor these kind of activity in other countries too.. U cannot trust Indian Gov

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Syed F. Hussaini

Sep 21, 2017 10:14am

What exactly is wrong with it?

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Reality

Sep 21, 2017 10:18am

Emotions are commendable but had it been PPPs government, would that she paid heed to what chairman senate said ?

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Shabbir Sharif

Sep 21, 2017 10:24am

Raza Rabbani sab should first consult his leader, Dr. Asif Zardari if he has plans in place to remove his wealth from Switzerland.

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Shahzad

Sep 21, 2017 10:28am

Thank God minister took some notice before the matter gets worse.

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Salahu Din Ayoubi

Sep 21, 2017 10:31am

Shame on the Swiss government and related authorities!

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Ranjan

Sep 21, 2017 10:38am

Well said. Terrorism in no form acceptable.

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Mohan

Sep 21, 2017 10:48am

Because India maintains contact with Baloch freedom fighters and because a lot of money was spent, certainly India was behind this job.

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satish.S

Sep 21, 2017 10:49am

This will happen soon...wait and watch

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Desi Dimag

Sep 21, 2017 11:01am

I liked this way to protest.

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Iqbal S.

Sep 21, 2017 11:12am

not only the Swiss ambassador should be asked to leave, they should be asked to shut down their embassy in Pakistan. And all Pakistanis from Switzerland including ambassador and embassy officials should leave Switzerland and return to Pakistan.

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Ravi vancouver

Sep 21, 2017 11:19am

What Swiss is doing is not correct as they are allowing Balochistan's terror organization to spread their propaganda which obviously sponsored by RAW. Pakistan should ask Swiss and India's ambassadors to leave Pakistan.
Nobody from outside can be allowed to spread terrorism in Pakistan.

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asif

Sep 21, 2017 11:26am

Its funny, when PPP is in power never hear these statements.

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Syed

Sep 21, 2017 11:31am

Pakistan should file a protest against Switzerland in UN. Saying Switzerland is creating hate between people of Pakistan and trying to break Pakistan. Also, Pakistan should ask swiss ambassador to leave Pakistan unless swiss government apologies for there action.
Syed

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Shahid

Sep 21, 2017 11:43am

Irresponsible statement.

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Om

Sep 21, 2017 11:49am

Dont isolate yourself...good luck

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Engineer

Sep 21, 2017 11:58am

This man is great in his approach.
It is sorry that on this issue we do not hear much noise from any corner.

Ambassador must be called and if the response is a bit non convincing then he must be expelled. The ambassador must be asked to print the SORRY posters exactly on the same spot and same duration where the free balochistan posters were displayed. Anything lesser then this must qualify the ambassador expulsion. The wise guys at foreign office and at other level could also ask for other guarantees.

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Ali

Sep 21, 2017 12:06pm

It is a moment of sham for Swiss government.

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Xiarmal

Sep 21, 2017 12:16pm

Let see how many patriotic Pakistanis close their bank accounts in protest.

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M.Hamza Bokhari

Sep 21, 2017 12:18pm

With what face our government will demand this when all their money is stashed in Swiss safes?

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Shahida

Sep 21, 2017 12:19pm

This is a serious issue but should be sorted out with brain not with emotions. Expelling Swiss envoy will not solve the issue. We have to keep our eyes open.

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Lulalai

Sep 21, 2017 12:24pm

the best response of this should be to Hang Kulbhoshan Jadhav , and message will go to enemies we can protect our land

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ZakTheGas

Sep 21, 2017 12:28pm

And it will only hurt Pakistan more. Why not develop Balochistan instead ?

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Ayub

Sep 21, 2017 12:32pm

All must join to defend the motherland.This conspiracy is hatched by Indians and their agents.

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Ali

Sep 21, 2017 12:38pm

...yet we continue to tolerate Altaf Hussain and all his anti Pakistan speeches from UK? Please also ask the UK HC to leave.

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Maan

Sep 21, 2017 12:48pm

Totally agree.. India has lost his mind.

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Booza

Sep 21, 2017 12:51pm

Close their embassy and force dual nationals to leave as well.

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Ravi

Sep 21, 2017 12:59pm

Hit them where it hurts. Ban Nestle water and chocolates and see them on their knees

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TBH

Sep 21, 2017 12:59pm

Action speak louder than words. Try to to so what is said

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Bsc

Sep 21, 2017 01:10pm

See your Foreign reserves and act.

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Masood

Sep 21, 2017 01:14pm

Some times Rabbani does speak sense.

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bulesha

Sep 21, 2017 01:18pm

In the mean time, nahil PM his family and FM already left the country.

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tariq

Sep 21, 2017 01:26pm

It requires courage but when our politician come in to power they becomes coward.
Mr. Rabbani please don't make fool the nation.

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BitterTruth

Sep 21, 2017 01:29pm

Seems like nobody takes Pakistan seriously these days.

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citizen

Sep 21, 2017 01:30pm

Sacking Swiss ambassador is a good idea..World will come to know our power !!

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Fazal Karim

Sep 21, 2017 01:46pm

If we close Swiss embassy in Pakistan, in retaliation Swiss government close our consulate or stop issuing visa to Pakistan what will happen to millions of Pakistani dollars in Swiss banks.

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haider

Sep 21, 2017 02:08pm

Good statement.

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Albela

Sep 21, 2017 02:15pm

Pakistanis should pull all there money from Swiss banks. collapse of Swiss banks is eminent.

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Fahad

Sep 21, 2017 02:15pm

Should protest in best possible way by banning Swiss products.

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Zak

Sep 21, 2017 02:36pm

Swiss should be told, that indian RAW is behind this and it is the over spill of kashmir occupation by india and to deflect focus on attrocities there. Kashmir is the real issue.

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sonu

Sep 21, 2017 02:43pm

Pakistan should break all diplomatic ties with Switzerland in protest. Pakistan should also break all diplomatic ties with India who is behind all this.

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Abdul Rehman

Sep 21, 2017 02:44pm

No relationship with Swiss means no inquiry and no refund of corruption money laying in Swiss banks

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Sami Ullah Swati

Sep 21, 2017 02:44pm

The Swiss Banking system relies on embezzled money, so its not strange to see them get involved in nefarious activities.

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F.O. ZAK

Sep 21, 2017 02:45pm

India and Israel are behind all this !

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Amer Rao

Sep 21, 2017 02:52pm

Kick him out of Pakistan, now please dont accept Swiss chocolates.

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Raaz

Sep 21, 2017 03:12pm

Withdraw all the money kept in Swiss Accounts by our Politicians, Generals, businessmen & beaureaucrats. They will immediately apologize

Switzerland might be a liberal country but it is also a terrorism sponsoring country & it soil is being used by Baloch terrorists since many years so it is nothing new. The the Baloch terrorists are living in Europe so it would better if you name & Shame Switzerland and expel their ambassador.

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Johnny

Sep 21, 2017 04:20pm

@Iqbal S. Please ask Pakistani family leaves in swiss which country they prefer to stay. Then you will get the general knowledge.

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Ahmed

Sep 21, 2017 04:30pm

Who will ask Swiss ambassador to leave Pakistan. Can you expect this from those people who have billions in Swiss accounts.

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London Kundon

Sep 21, 2017 05:24pm

Bad idea, it will internationalize the situation real quick.

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Apple Sidra

Sep 21, 2017 06:25pm

Well said....thumbs up

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Mani

Sep 22, 2017 12:43am

Pakistan needs to expel Swiss ambassador & Indian at the same time ! After that Pakistan should go on anti- India campaign over occupation of Kashmir

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Balakrishnan

Sep 22, 2017 09:50am

Swiss have nothing to lost. Loss will be for thousands of Pakistanis staying there.

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Gary

Sep 22, 2017 12:17pm

@MUHAMMAD FAHEEM KHAN Who will bail you out when you run into debt.

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Ali

Sep 22, 2017 02:40pm

We appreciate you Rabbani sb. you are real politician and we appreciate your efforts on upper house as well as lower house

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Mohan

Sep 22, 2017 03:11pm

@Ali did you mean moment of shame?

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Mohan

Sep 22, 2017 03:25pm

@Fazal Karim you must then suggest a solution. Simply criticizing will not solve the problem.

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observer

Sep 23, 2017 09:31am

If all countries in the world follow the same rule, where Pakistan will be?
Permanently reside on Mars?

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Harivadan

Sep 23, 2017 10:07am

Rather taking action against any foreign country , authority need introspection why such activities done by own people in foreign country. How many country you ban ?

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Shoaib

Sep 23, 2017 10:57am

Pakistan should stop giving any aid to Swiss. We should also stop exporting our world famous Mangoes and Ruh-af-Jah to them. This will teach these snooty Swiss a lesson that they will never forget.

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Cyrus

Sep 23, 2017 01:05pm

The Indian Ambassador should also be asked to leave, as it is india's propaganda as well. They will not succeed.